Question on Dell Latitude 6400

[Lotta]

Would really like to have this laptop. Was wondering what the pros and cons are of ordering it with the $149 broadband card already installed as opposed to just buying the $39 external USB broadband device down the road.

Thanks,
Lotta

[pitz]

Originally Posted by Lotta

Would really like to have this laptop. Was wondering what the pros and cons are of ordering it with the $149 broadband card already installed as opposed to just buying the $39 external USB broadband device down the road.

Thanks,
Lotta

Pros:

1) Internal to the laptop, so you can't lose it.
2) Uses the laptop's internal antenna infrastructure, which is probably better than something that sits on the end of a USB device.
3) Doesn't occupy a USB port which could be quite uncomfortable if you're using it on your lap or your space is otherwise limited.
4) Is supported by Dell, and covered by the Dell warranty.

Cons:

1) You'll probably be able to pick up the same device on eBay for quite a bit less if you wait a few months.
2) Along the same vein, if you're not signed up with a service right now, there's no point in buying a device as you don't know if you'll be on a gsm or a CDMA network, or if you'll be using whatever WiMax infrastructure is out there.
3) Can't easily move it to another laptop on a moment's notice. Some dissassembly of your laptop would be required if you want to use the wireless card elsewhere.
4) Can't use a card with a mini-PCIe add-on such as an Intel Turbo Memory card, since they both use mini-PCIe slots.

So there you have it.. Don't buy stuff unless you need it; give it 6 months and there will be a gazillion spare parts on eBay if you want to add the capability later.